Canadian Canyons Sidetrack: Slide Sheds in SketchUp, Part 2

Eric White is back at the computer to refine his SketchUp design for a 3-D printed slide shed on our N scale Canadian Canyons layout. This time, he’ll walk you through the steps for finalizing and proofing the design, and then preparing the file for production. Follow along, as Eric makes cutting-edge modeling look easy! […]

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Canadian Canyons Sidetrack: Slide Sheds in SketchUp, Part 1

For his second sidetrack series to our Canadian Canyons project, MR’s Eric White tackles construction of an N scale timber slide shed. But rather than launching into an complex scratchbuilding effort, Eric demonstrates how to use SketchUp modeling software to design and create an intricate 3-D model. Follow along as he blogs about this pioneering […]

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Canadian Canyons Series: Part 31 – Surfacing with Shaper Sheet

Kent Johnson and Drew Halverson next to layout scenery

Drew and Kent have relied on paper-based Sculptamold to fill in the sloped mountainside thus far. In this episode, they demonstrate another scenery surfacing technique that utilizes a relatively new and versatile product from Woodland Scenics. Watch and learn how easily Shaper Sheet can be use to cover broad patches of terrain, all without adding […]

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Video Step by Step: Weathering metal siding

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page After assembling several plastic structures for an HO scale layout, MR associate editor Eric White aims to make the corrugated metal (simulated) exterior look authentic. Follow along, as he demonstrates steps for applying realistic weathering effects using an airbrush. […]

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Modeler’s Spotlight Video — Inside Cody’s Office for February 2018

Cody Grivno in his office

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page A realistic Amtrak station kit from Summit Custom Cuts highlights the new model railroading products featured in this episode of Cody’s Office. Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno will also show you how to take your “bottlebrush” pine trees to the next level […]

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Off The Rails: Episode 22

Off the Rails with Gerry Leone Episode 22

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Our beloved show host Gerry Leone is always angling to help you improve your model skills and efficiency. That’s exactly right (right angle, if you will)! In this episode, Gerry demonstrates a wide array of tools and techniques you can use to build […]

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Let’s Make A Scene: Episode 4

Let’s Make a Scene with Kathy Millatt Part 4

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Host Kathy Millatt shows you what you need to make an impressive conifer tree that’s perfectly suited to place front and center on any layout. From building the trunk to adding needles to the branches, Kathy walks and talks you through all of […]

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Canadian Canyons Series: Part 30 – Filling in the gaps with Sculptamold

Kent Johnson and Drew Halverson next to layout scenery

With the spine for our eroding rockwork securely in place, Drew and Kent show you how to form a sloped mountain face using paper-based Sculptamold. Follow along, as the two share tips for mixing, filling, and finessing the putty-like product along the Thompson Canyon scene of our N scale project layout. […]

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Canadian Canyons Series: Part 29 – Shaping extreme rock faces

Kent Johnson and Drew Halverson next to layout scenery

After a quick overview of the foam forming techniques KJ and Drew used thus far, the two turn their attention to shaping the rugged, eroding rock faces for our Canadian Canyons N scale layout project. They share helpful materials, techniques, and tools you can use on your own mountain making efforts! […]

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Olympia 2, The Log Blog: Part 14 – My game is a bit rusty

Now that host David Popp has a game plan for building up the log pond area, he’s set to prepare the site and some of the ancillary items he’ll need to complete the scene. He’ll also show you how to give some of these items a rusty appearance that’s suitable for a backwoods installation. […]

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Canadian Canyons Series: Part 28 – Tools for carving foam

Hot wire tool carving styrofoam

Drew and Kent don’t have glaciers at the ready to help form the mountains on our Canadian Canyons N scale layout project, but they DO have some handy tools! In this segment, the two share an array of knives, tools, and techniques they used to carve a rough profile into the foam insulation board pieces. […]

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